Exploring Galle Fort with a local historian
The west coast beaches of Sri Lanka stretch from Colombo to the historic town of Galle, forming the country’s original tourist trail.
This region saw its first major tourism boom in the 1970s, and today, resort towns and hotels line much of the sandy coast. Starting with Wadduwa and Kalutara—home to a striking Buddhist temple—the beaches grow livelier as you head south. Bentota stands out for its combination of a vast lagoon and sweeping beach, making it the island’s hub for water sports like jet-skiing, diving and kiteboarding. Alongside, the area offers an array of restaurants, bars, luxury hotels and several peaceful boutique properties nestled further inland.
Continuing south, Ambalangoda is renowned for traditional mask-making, while Ahungala offers a quieter coastal experience. Hikkaduwa is a vibrant highlight, famed for its nightlife and some of the best dining spots outside Colombo. Just beyond lies Dodanduwa and the refined beachfront resort of Aditya, ideally located just a 20-minute drive from Galle and 15 minutes from Hikkaduwa. This region blends the ease of classic beach holiday comforts with glimpses into local Sri Lankan culture, offering variety for both first-time visitors and returning travellers.
ETG Sample Itineraries on Sri Lanka's West Coast
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Sri Lanka
Family Safari, Surf and Turf
This immersive and unusual itinerary is a brilliant option for adventurous families seeking something different in Sri Lanka. Avoiding the typical loop, it carves a path through verdant tea hills, remote beaches, and wildlife-rich landscapes, offering a vibrant mix of activity, culture, and relaxation.
Trek a scenic section of the Pekoe Trail, surf Sri Lanka’s east coast, and spot elephants in the wild before winding down in Galle’s historic fort. Each stay has been handpicked for comfort, charm, and a sense of place. This is a real adventure with no compromise on ease.
Highlights
The Pekoe Trail
Privately guided walk along a scenic stretch of the Pekoe Trail
Safari in Kumana National Park
Spot elephants, birds and sloth bears on safari in Kumana National Park
Surfing
Surf and unwind on the relaxed east coast at Arugam Bay
Guided walk
Explore Galle Fort with a local guide and enjoy tea in a historic Dutch home
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Sri Lanka
Slow Paced Luxury
Travel slowly through the south of Sri Lanka. This itinerary takes in some of the most beautiful locations in the country staying in the best hotels.
Highlights
Amanwella
A stay at Amanwella, one of Sri Lanka’s most refined beach retreats
Yala National Park
The chance to see elephants, leopards, and birdlife in Yala National Park on safari with your naturalist guide
Galle Fort
Explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort
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Sri Lanka
The History & Culture of Sri Lanka
Explore the incredibly diverse island of Sri Lanka, taking an in-depth look at its history and culture. We chose boutique hotels which make the most of each place you visit.
Venture north to the tip of the country to Jaffna, an area often overlooked by tourists and home to a compelling history and culture. With a longer-than-usual stay in the Cultural Triangle in two different areas, you’ll get to experience even more fascinating ancient sites, temples and rural life. You’ll get under the surface of Sri Lanka taking in its scenic landscapes as you traverse from north to south enjoying some of our best signature experiences.
Highlights
Jaffna
Discovering the distinct culture and food scene in the north around the lesser-visited area of Jaffna
Cultural Triangle
Spend five days exploring the fascinating ancient cities, temples and rural life around the Cultural Triangle, getting to understand the history of Sri Lanka
Galle Fort
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Sri Lanka
The Birdlife of Sri Lanka
Spend two weeks travelling through Sri Lanka’s rich and varied natural environments on a quest to encounter some of the 500 bird species that have been recorded here. Your expedition will take you into the lush forests of central Sri Lanka’s hill country and the dry national parks of the south via the lowland rainforest of Sinharaja.
An expert birding guide will be on hand to help you identify some of the rarer endemic and migratory species, and each hotel has been selected to optimise the experience. Though the trip is designed around the island’s birdlife, there is plenty of time to take in many of its other charms, such as its food, culture and warm welcome.
Highlights
Weerawila Bird Sanctuary
Discovering some of the 200 bird species in the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary, including the Majestic Junglefowl, Ceylon Woodshrikes, and Great Cormorants.
Knuckles Mountains
Being surrounded by the deep jungle of the Knuckles Mountain Range while relaxing on the terrace of your remote hillside lodge, looking for parakeets and barbets through the hotel’s telescope.
Sinharaja Rainforest
Journey deep into the Sinharaja Rainforest and keep a lookout for the Sri Lankan White-Eye, Yellow-Eared Bulbul, Brown-Capped Babbler, and Spurfowl.
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka for Families & Friends
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for groups of friends and family, whether it’s two families travelling together, a multigenerational group, or long-lost relatives reuniting from the UK and the Antipodes! The destination offers something for all ages, complemented by unique accommodations perfect for these gatherings, from private villas to boutique hotels and tea bungalows, small enough to book exclusively.
Villas in Sri Lanka are typically exquisitely designed and offer ample space to unwind and connect. With separate bedrooms, spacious living areas, and outdoor spaces, usually with private pools and lush gardens, they provide privacy and exclusivity, perfect for bonding without interruptions. Most villas also have dedicated staff, including chefs and housekeepers, ensuring tailored dining experiences and excellent service.
Highlights
Scenic train journeys
Travel through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Kandy to Haputale.
Yala National Park
Enjoy a private safari in Yala National Park’s quieter Block 5, home to leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Kalukanda House
Spend several days at Kalukanda House, a private, peaceful retreat within a stone’s throw of an excellent little surf beach, ideal for family relaxation and adventure.
Colombo
Explore the cultural heart of Colombo with a private tuk-tuk tour and walking experience through its historic neighbourhoods.
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Sri Lanka
South Coast Discovery
This holiday minimises travel compared to typical Sri Lanka tours, blending wildlife and adventure between two coastal stays in distinct areas of the south coast—each showcasing a different side of the island’s charm.
You’ll explore with your private chauffeur- guide, balancing immersive cultural experiences with plenty of beach relaxation—an easygoing way to discover Sri Lanka’s diversity. Designed to feature both popular highlights and hidden gems, the itinerary is carefully structured to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without travel fatigue. Your adventure begins and concludes along the stunning southern coastline.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Encounter elusive leopards and sloth bears on a private safari in Yala National Park.
Pekoe Trail
Immerse yourself in local culture on a scenic walk along the Pekoe Trail, meeting tea pluckers along the way.
Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary
Witness the incredible elephant feeding program at Udawalawe’s conservation sanctuary.
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Sri Lanka
Luxury with a Touch of Adventure
Explore Sri Lanka with immersive local experiences, wilderness adventures, and luxury hotel stays.
This itinerary is all about balancing our cultural and outdoor adventures with exceptional hotels. It is ideal for people who love luxury accommodation but don’t like to end up in could-be-anywhere hotels where they feel cut off from their destination. There is plenty of time to enjoy a range of carefully crafted experiences without missing out on the relaxation and quality that each unique hotel offers.
Highlights
Seaplane journey
A scenic seaplane journey into the Cultural Triangle to cut driving times, giving you more time to spend enjoying the area and your hotel
Ahaspokuna
Stay in a luxury tented camp in a rarely visited part of the Sri Lankan wilderness.
South Coast
Spend time relaxing in a boutique hotel on the south coast, spending a day cruising down the Kapu Ela river and exploring this remote area by tuk-tuk.
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